A Slight Change of Plans

Due to the cold front causing some rain and too cold of temperatures to ride after the sun goes down, we’re behind schedule so Matt and I have decided to change things up a bit: from Madison, FL (where we stayed at the Super 8), we rode to Loxley, AL, through Mississippi, to where we are right now, Baton Rouge, LA.

The ride to Loxley wasn’t that pleasant because of the cold- even at the hottest point of the day it was still chilly out. To help this problem, we stopped at a Good Will where Matt purchased a plain black sweatshirt and I picked out an ugly turtle neck and black pants to go over my jeans; they improved the comfort of the ride immensely. Still, when the sun was no longer above us, we had to call it quits and stay in yet another Motel. Exciting news! Matt taught me how to ride the motorcycle! He taught me how to start it (push the button), and he taught me about the clutch and the throttle. It was exhilarating. I rode a few feet in the parking lot and walked it at a slow and control pace for about 40 feet. By then I had broke a sweat and had enough. I’m sure I’ll get better soon.. Ah! So awesome.

Highlight of Alabama: Having lunch at a BBQ restaurant in Mobile. We had to stop at a motorcycle shop to fix the stripped bolt and tighten the chain (plus the friendly mechanic tightened up the brakes) and while the bike was being worked on, we walked to this restaurant called Dick Russell’s for brunch. It put a smile on my face. Pulled pork BBQ has a special place in my heart (if you know me, you know why).

Highlight of Mississippi: We blew through here in no time, only stopping once for gas. You might think this doesn’t seem worth mentioning, but I bet you’ll think it’s at least mildly funny: a women in her mid twenties asked us where we were going (I’m surprised at how many people ask us that by the way), we answer “Argentina”, she replies “Uh, where’s that?”.

Success! We made it to Baton Rouge (part of our revised plan from the night before (I’ll get to the rest of that soon)). After laundry and relaxing in the Hotel hot tub, we had a nine dollar dinner at Subway, picked up breakfast for tomorrow at Wally-World, and headed out to see the city. I was impressed at how new and clean everything in Downtown looked (I’m use to Washington DC where everything is old and construction is nonstop). We bar hopped at a couple places and called it a night. Luckily at the last place we went, there was live music. I’m a big fan of live music- shows, events, festivals, bring’em all on.

As for the new and improved plan, we are going to spend tomorrow and New Years Eve in New Orleans. Google told us that New Orleans is the number one place to spend the holiday and since Monterrey, Mexico doesn’t have a huge celebration and it would be a struggle to get there in time (a.k.a. not on the fun side of things), Matt and I are slowing down the trip few days.

After New Years in New Orleans, we’re planning to ride through Texas, do some line-dancing, and make it to Mexico! From there this “vacation” Matt thought up has now turned into a quest– details to come.

Chandra- pics of us on the bike will happen asap. & thanks Jess, even though I have horrible helmet hair and no make-up. I actually think I’m not going to wear any on the trip (for the most part at least). Miss you guys, too.
Thanks Marty!
Love you Mom, Grams, & Aunt Sharon.